V-Moda M-80 vs. ATH-M50

I've had my audio technica ATH-M50's for a while and love them so much, but i'm not able to take them out because although they are durable, they're not durable enough in my opinion to be taking outside and whatnot. I love the "sparkle" I think it's called in the treble that just gives it an amazing sound. I was thinking of buying the m80s to take mobile and maybe even home use. What are the differences in sound quality from the m80 and the ATH-M50? I listen to Blink-182, rap, alternative, pop, rock and some country. I also use my headphones for gaming on occasions. Thanks!!

While the M50s are built like a tank IMO, the M-80 has even better build quality since its all metal. The sound is more balanced and refined to my ears and soundstage is really good for a small portable can. The M-80 is slightly warmer tonally but the mids are more natural and the highs are polite - not as sparkly as the M50 but the M-80 will be a good complement. They're a better all-rounder to my ears than the M50 and they'll be great for your genres. For gaming, you might need a bigger soundstage however.

Have you thought about getting the upcoming M-100? I'm pretty sure the soundstage will be even bigger. Preorders are already available for the first batch (VTF-100). It's worth looking into.

Yeah I actually did think about getting the m100's, but a friend of mine has the original crossfade and I found that the earcups and too small for my ears and the fit is just not right, unlike my ath.. But yes ive actually posted a couple times in that thread, thanks!

While the M50s are built like a tank IMO, the M-80 has even better build quality since its all metal. The sound is more balanced and refined to my ears and soundstage is really good for a small portable can. The M-80 is slightly warmer tonally but the mids are more natural and the highs are polite - not as sparkly as the M50 but the M-80 will be a good complement. They're a better all-rounder to my ears than the M50 and they'll be great for your genres. For gaming, you might need a bigger soundstage however.
Have you thought about getting the upcoming M-100? I'm pretty sure the soundstage will be even bigger. Preorders are already available for the first batch (VTF-100). It's worth looking into.

I hate to say this but I pray that the new m-100s beat out my ATH M50's in sound quality. I just love the sound quality and signature of the Audio techs.. but the durability and styling (custom shields and designs) of the V-Modas!!

1. which one has the clearer, more detailed, and more transparent midrange

2. which one has the larger soundstage

3. which one is more comfortable

4. which one has the greater bass

uhh....they are quite similar i think, (note that i only had a few minutes with each headphone in less than ideal conditions and is only relying on past memory)
the M50 is a little clearer but has a lot more sibliance,
soundstage wise both are not so good, M80 has a slightly better soundstage i would say,
comfort wise i think the M80's softer pleather would do better than the M50's harder pleather,
and bass i think that they are similar, both impactful and extending well